Cheddington Methodist Church
Minister Rev Noreen Daley-Lee tel no: 01525 240083
The Superintendent Minister of the Aylesbury Vale Circuit, the Rev Richard Atkinson is in Pastoral Care of Cheddington during Noreen’s sabbatical and we are most grateful to him for his contribution. His telephone number, in case of need, is 01296 339899.
A MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER
Dear Friends,
When we moved to Aylesbury, we left behind signs proclaiming Gateway to the Dales to those celebrating that we now lived in the Home of the Paralympics. When communities or counties opt to label themselves, I suppose there is a great challenge to not only saying something that is significant but does not raise questions about the legitimacy of the description provided. Then I think back to my birthplace in north Manchester. I wonder how you might depict a community has seen better days and in which the grind of city living is all too obvious.
Which all brings me to my point about how you might describe the place in which you live? If someone from beyond asked you in a few words to encapsulate the reality of life in your community, what might you say? The aforementioned Gateway to the Dales is Skipton in North Yorkshire.
It is, in a very real way, an accurate statement, if you venture to travel through some spectacular countryside but the word gateway gives an impression of something spectacular. Now the town centre has an undeniable charm; there are some areas that appear respectable and comfortable and, yet, there are still areas of deprivation hidden from the view of those who visit. Beyond appearance there are questions about what it’s like to live in a place from other natives friendly to what goes on?
So, if you were to build a picture of your village community what positive attributes might be mentioned? One of the things that impresses me about village life is that there seems to be a higher degree of care for one’s neighbours than is often found in towns. I think it is much easier to be invisible if you live in a large community compared to a small one. In villages there appears to be a greater desire to include, a focus that is much harder to attain in a place of many thousands. What is your village like?
Somewhere in the midst of this will be the parish church and the Methodist chapel, which in some places can be depicted as the beating heart of the community. This is not because of their size, or influence, or the numbers that attend but because they are places pounded on love, seeking to share hope and with a desire to allow something of the transformative nature of the Christian gospel to reach out and touch their communities. They offer a visible encouragement to think beyond ourselves, to grapple with the big questions and to listen out for rumours of the love that can change both individual and community life. They are not heroic of some bygone age but a visible offer of God’s grace in the midst of our troubled world inviting us to see the hope that faith brings contrasted with the questions that our politicians raise. Love is at the centre of your community because the people of God in your minds are longing that love will come and refresh all our lives.
Blessings,
Richard
SERVICES FOR 2025
We welcome everyone to come along to our church to share in our worship and other activities. Services begin on Sundays at 10.30 am unless otherwise stated.
| Sunday 1st June |
Mrs Louise Atkinson – Reader Service |
| Sunday 8th June |
Mr Ken Harris |
| Sunday 15th June |
Café Church – Local Arrangement |
| Sunday 22nd June |
No Service at Cheddington – Circuit Service at Aylesbury Methodist Church |
| Sunday 29th June |
Rev Arthur Cowburn – Service of Holy Communion – United Service with St Giles at the Methodist Church |
| Sunday 6th July |
Mr David Neville |
| Sunday 13th July |
Mr Arthur Sara |
| Sunday 20th July |
Café Church – Local Arrangement
5.45 pm Singing – 6.00–7.00 pm Circuit Service – at Cheddington followed by refreshments |
| Sunday 27th July |
Rev Kim Shorley – Service of Holy Communion |
| Sunday 3rd August |
Local Arrangement |
| Sunday 10th August |
Mrs Frankie Fisher |
| Sunday 17th August |
Café Church – Local Arrangement |
| Sunday 24th August |
Rev Fred Ireland – Service of Holy Communion |
"THE TOAST” – FOR PARENTS, CARERS and LITTLE ONES
For all parents/carers of pre-school children and babies, join us in the Chapel schoolroom on Monday mornings 9.30 – 11.00 during term time for a gentle start to the week. There are toys, activities and refreshments (including toast!) and a warm welcome. Contact Cathy Craft email:
OPEN DOORS – Friday morning 10.30 a.m – noon at the Methodist Chapel.
All are welcome for a cup of tea or coffee, biscuits, a friendly chat as well as free WIFI.. Contact Stuart Minall email: for more information.
MEN’S GROUP: This usually meets on the first Friday of each month at 10.45 am to noon. Contact: Chris Shepheard on 661849.
The Singalong Café will be held on Tuesday 8th July 2.30 – 4 pm at the Methodist Chapel. It will be led by Karen, Cathy and Trevor who are all accomplished musicians. Do come along and join us and bring a friend or two, particularly those who might otherwise be at home alone. Refreshments will be included thanks to two willing volunteers. Please note there will be no Singalong in August.
BOOKS and JIGSAWS: A collection of paperback books and jigsaws for buying or borrowing; if you are able to make a small donation that would be appreciated. Do come and have a look to see if there is anything of interest to you. The schoolroom is usually open 9.30 – 11 am on Monday mornings during term time or Friday mornings 10.30 – 12 noon. If you have paperback books, in good condition, or jigsaws that you would like to pass on do bring them along.
WARM SPACES: This will continue on Fridays for all those who would like to meet together from 12 noon to 2.30 pm for soup lunch and a dessert. All enquiries to Cathy Craft email:
LOOP SYSTEM
For those people with hearing aids, we have an induction loop system installed and working in the chapel.
Schoolroom Bookings: A projector and screen are available. For all enquiries, please contact Janet Banham, Tel. 660205 or email .